Symptomatic Cysts Research Articles

Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage and percutaneous drainage combined with minocycline sclerotherapy for symptomatic hepatic cysts: A retrospective study.

Simple hepatic cysts (SHC) are generally asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed using imaging studies. Asymptomatic SHC does not require treatment, but symptomatic SHC warrants treatment using different modalities, including intravenous antibiotic therapy, ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) with sclerotherapy, and surgery. The dissemination of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) intervention techniques has enabled the performance of puncture and drainage via the transgastrointestinal route for intra-abdominal abscesses. Despite the development of an EUS-guided drainage method for treating symptomatic SHC, only a few case reports using this method have been reported. This study retrospectively analyzed the safety and feasibility of EUS-guided drainage of symptomatic SHC as well as its clinical outcomes and compared it with combined therapy using PCD and minocycline sclerotherapy. The records of 10 consecutive patients with 11 symptomatic SHCs treated with either EUS-guided drainage or PCD combined with minocycline sclerotherapy at the Musashino Tokushukai Hospital from August 2019 to January 2024 were retrospectively examined. All cases in both groups achieved technical and clinical success, with no reported adverse events. The median reduction rates of the major cyst diameters in the EUS-guided drainage and PCD with sclerotherapy groups were 100% (interquartile range [IQR]: 94%-100%) and 67% (IQR: 48.5%-85%). The length of hospital stay was 7 and 22.5 days in the EUS-guided and PCD with sclerotherapy groups (P = .01). EUS-guided drainage of symptomatic SHC is a safe and effective therapeutic alternative to percutaneous drainage with sclerotherapy and surgery for treating symptomatic SHC.

Pilonidal disease: comparative analysis of leading professional organizations clinical guidelines

pilonidal disease is an inflammatory disease that is most often localized in the sacrococcygeal area and is characterized by the formation of a cyst or abscess with the possible secondary formation of fistulas. Pilonidal disease is a fairly common disease, according to individual studies, the incidence ranges from 26 cases per 100,000 people (USA) to 48 per 100,000 people (Germany). Men are three times more likely to suffer than women. Most often, the disease manifests itself between the ages of 18 and 30. The risk factors for developing the disease are: excess weight, increased hair growth, chronic trauma to the sacrococcygeal area and anatomical features of the gluteal cleft (its shape, depth, configuration). The occurrence and development of the disease in persons of working age often leads to a sharp decrease in work capacity and quality of life. There is still no single, generally accepted classification of pilonidal disease in the world. Today, there are 3 clinical guidelines created by professional associations (USA, Germany, Italy), based on the principles of evidence-based medicine. The purpose of the study is to perform a comparative analysis of the main points of the clinical guidelines of leading professional organizations (German National Guideline on the management of pilonidal disease, The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons' Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Pilonidal Disease, Consensus statement of the Italian society of colorectal surgery: management and treatment of pilonidal disease) regarding the clinical-diagnostic approach and the choice of optimal treatment tactics for patients with certain forms of pilonidal disease. In the study, a review and comparative analysis of literary sources from the scientific databases of medical literature PubMed Central (U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine), ScienceDirect (Elsevier publishing house), Wiley online library, Springer Link, Cochrane library, materials of the 3rd International Pilonidal Conference ( 2023, Copenhagen, Denmark) and clinical guidelines of specialized organizations of the USA, Germany and Italy. The following issues of diagnosis and treatment of diseases are selected for comparative analysis: choice of prevention method and non-surgical procedures that reduce the risk of disease recurrence; choice of treatment method and assessment of its necessity for asymptomatic pilonidal cysts; the choice of a surgical method of treatment for symptomatic pilonidal cysts; the choice of a method of surgical treatment for a recurrent form of PC. According to the performed analysis, it can be concluded that the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies reflected in the clinical guidelines are based on the evidence base and the analysis of research data conducted in the field of treatment of pilonidal disease, which leads to the existence of an essential correlation between the recommendations related to the choice of a method of prevention and non-surgical procedures that reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease, the method of treatment and assessment of its necessity for the asymptomatic form of the disease, methods of surgical treatment of the recurrent form of the disease. There are differences between clinical guidelines due to varying general consensus structures and main questions chosen to form a list of general provisions.

Symptomatic infratentorial ependymal cyst arising from the medulla: a case report with review of literature

BackgroundEpendymal cysts (EC) typically present supra-tentorially near the lateral ventricle, juxta ventricular, or temporoparietal regions. Previous cases have also identified infratentorial EC of the brainstem, cerebellum, and subarachnoid spaces. They are mostly asymptomatic. In this paper, we present the first-ever case of a symptomatic medullary ependymal cyst treated with surgery, along with a comprehensive review of the literature on EC of other parts of the brain stem. Case descriptionThis 51-year-old female presented with hearing loss, dizziness, diplopia, and ataxia. Radiographic imaging indicated the presence of a non-enhancing lesion in the medulla with a mass effect on the brainstem. Pathological examination confirmed its characterization as an ependymal cyst. The patient underwent a suboccipital craniotomy for the fenestration of the medullary ependymal cyst under neuro-navigation, Intra-op ultrasound and intra-operative neuro-monitoring. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an ependymal cyst. At one month follow-up, her KPS is 90, ECOG PS 1, and her ataxia has improved with complete resolution of diplopia. ConclusionDue to their rarity and potential similarity to other cystic structures, EC may be overlooked or incorrectly diagnosed resulting in mismanagement and surgical disaster. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding and awareness of their distinct characteristics are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Successful management of a mixed epithelial and stromal renal tumor masquerading as lower pole renal cyst: A laparoscopic deroofing approach

AbstractBackgroundRenal cysts are common in clinical practice, but some may harbor rare pathological entities such as mixed epithelial and stromal tumors (MEST). Imaging studies are crucial for accurate diagnosis. While laparoscopic deroofing is an established approach for symptomatic renal cysts, encountering MEST within a cyst is uncommon.Case PresentationWe present the case of a 37‐year‐old female who presented with persistent left flank pain. Imaging revealed a large renal cyst in the lower pole of the left kidney, classified as Bosniak 2. Despite analgesia, the patient's symptoms persisted, leading to a laparoscopic deroofing procedure. Histopathological examination postprocedure revealed a MEST. The patient reported complete resolution of symptoms at the 3‐month follow‐up.ConclusionThis unique case presents the successful identification and surgical management of a MEST masquerading as a lower pole renal cyst through laparoscopic deroofing. It also contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of considering rare pathological entities in the evaluation of renal cysts and the value of laparoscopic techniques in their management.

Post-traumatic hemorrhage in a large sacral Tarlov cyst causing acute radiculopathy

Symptomatic Tarlov cysts (TCs) are an under-recognized clinical entity that should be considered in the differential for lower back pain. These are more common in women and can also be a cause of pelvic pain. Hemorrhagic TCs have been rarely reported in the literature, with symptoms ranging from lower back pain and radiculopathy to symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. We report on a female patient in her 50s who presented with radicular symptoms as a consequence of TC hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard investigation, and this showed post-traumatic hemorrhage causing irritation of the sciatic nerve. Hemorrhagic TC is an important differential to consider in the setting of acute radicular pain, and the symptoms can be resolved with conservative management.

Complete and Incomplete Alcohol Sclerotherapy for Treatment of Symptomatic Hepatic Cysts: Comparison of Volume Reduction and Clinical Outcomes.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of incomplete alcohol sclerotherapy with complete treatment for hepatic cysts. Methods: From 2005 to 2021, a total of 80 patients (19 males, 61 females; median age 65 years; age range, 42-86 years) who underwent alcohol sclerotherapy for symptomatic benign hepatic cysts were enrolled and retrospectively reviewed. Complete treatment was defined as injecting 25-33% of the aspirated cyst volume with alcohol in 2-3 cycles, with a maximum of 100 mL per cycle. The overall volume reduction rate was compared between the complete and incomplete treatment groups. The response, based on cystic volume reduction, was classified as a complete regression (CR), near-complete regression (NCR), partial regression (PR), or no response (NR). CR and NCR were considered objective responses. Among 80 patients with 85 hepatic cysts, 26 patients with 29 hepatic cysts received incomplete treatment. Results: The overall volume reduction rate was not significantly different between the complete and incomplete treatment groups (94.39% vs. 95.47%, respectively, p = 0.623). The CR and NCR groups showed a significantly higher rate of symptom improvement than the PR and NR groups (p = 0.043). Conclusions: In conclusion, the efficacy of incomplete alcohol sclerotherapy was not inferior to that of complete treatment.

Efficacy of neuroendoscopic-assisted surgery in the management of symptomatic sacral perineural (Tarlov) cysts: a technical report.

The Tarlov cysts are pathological enlargements of the cerebrospinal fluid spaces between the endoneurium and perineurium, which can cause intolerable sciatic pain, motor impairment of lower limbs, and bladder/bowel dysfunction. Currently, the treatment results are unsatisfactory due to the low cure rates and extensive surgical trauma. Thus, there is an ongoing exploration of surgical techniques for Tarlov treatment. In the current study, we present a novel neuroendoscopic-assisted technique that combines the fenestration, leakage sealing, and tamponade of the Tarlov cyst. Between January 2020 and December 2021, a total of 32 Tarlov patients were enrolled and received neuroendoscopic-assisted surgery. Their pre- and post-surgical Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, major complaints, and MR imaging were recorded for comparison. 27 of 32 patients (84.4%) patients demonstrated immediate pain relief as their VAS scores decreased from 5.6 ± 1.5 to 2.5 ± 1.1 (p < 0.01) on the first day after surgery. At the 3-month follow-up, the patients' average VAS score continued to decrease (1.94 ± 0.8). Meanwhile, saddle paresthesia, urinary incontinence, and constipation were relieved in 6 (50%), 4 (80%), and 5 (41.7%), respectively, according to patients self-report. No surgical-related complication was observed in any of the cases. We conclude that neuroendoscopic-assisted surgery is an effective surgical method for symptomatic Tarlov cysts with minimized complications.

Complete resection of a recurrent bronchogenic cyst tightly adhered to the left atrium using cardiopulmonary bypass: a case report.

Most surgeons agree that symptomatic mediastinal bronchogenic cysts should be resected, and complete resection is considered mandatory to avoid recurrence. However, a symptomatic mediastinal bronchogenic cyst sometimes adheres to a vital organ, making complete resection hazardous. In such case, surgical resection using cardiopulmonary bypass should be performed to achieve complete resection. A 65-year-old female patient had undergone surgical drainage of a mediastinal bronchogenic cyst 30 years ago. Recently, she presented with complaints of orthopnea, and computed tomography revealed a few days later a subcarinal bronchogenic cyst markedly compressing the left atrium. Complete resection of the mediastinal bronchogenic cyst was performed using cardiopulmonary bypass. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was followed up for 1 year, with no recurrence of the bronchogenic cyst. For patients with mediastinal bronchogenic cysts compressing the left atrium, we recommend complete resection using cardiopulmonary bypass.

Long-term outcomes and potential predictive recurrence factors after endonasal endoscopic surgical treatment of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts.

Although patients with symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) receive surgical treatment, recurrence sometimes occurs after surgery. However, the mechanism underlying recurrence remains unclear. We evaluated the outcomes of RCC decompression over a long-term follow-up period. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 35 patients with symptomatic RCC who underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES) at our institution between 2008 and 2023. Patients' characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative follow-up outcomes were evaluated. A univariate regression model was used to identify the predictors of recurrence. The median patient age was 48.0years, and 74.2% of the patients were female. The mean follow-up duration was 94.7 ± 47.6months. Cyst content recurrence was observed in 15 patients (42.8%). Five patients (14.2%) with symptomatic recurrence underwent reoperation. Postoperative vision improved in all 23 patients (100%); headaches improved in 20 patients (90.9%). A new hormonal deficit occurred in two patients (5.7%). Complications included intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in 10 patients (28.5%), postoperative CSF leak in two patients (5.7%), permanent diabetes insipidus in two patients (5.7%), and postoperative infection in three patients (8.5%). Univariate analyses revealed that the position of the anterior pituitary lobe (p = 0.019) and preoperative visual disturbances (p = 0.008) significantly affected recurrence after surgery. Although EES was efficient, the recurrence rate was relatively high over a long-term period. The anterior pituitary lobe position and preoperative visual disturbances were significantly associated with recurrence. The anterior-inferior position can predict a high risk of recurrence before surgery.

Symptomatic Tarlov cysts: A case series and effectiveness of multimodal rehabilitation plus pharmacological treatment

BackgroundTarlov cysts, or perineural cysts, are nerve root lesions most frequently found in the sacral region, and are generally asymptomatic. They are usually detected incidentally and their association with sexual, bladder, or bowel dysfunction is frequently ruled out. AimsWe describe the management of a series of patients with symptomatic Tarlov cysts using a protocol that combines multimodal rehabilitation (biofeedback+posterior tibial nerve stimulation+INDIBA® radiofrequency) and pharmacological treatment (Tiobec Dol® dietary supplement and/or acetazolamide) and evaluate the effect of this programme on pain and pelvic floor muscle strength. Material and methodsRetrospective study of 5 patients with urinary or faecal incontinence and pelvic pain or dyspareunia, who presented Tarlov cysts.The outcome variables were: (1) pain as measured with the visual analogue scale (0–10) and (2) maximal and mean pelvic floor muscle strength (in mm Hg) at baseline and after treatment completion. ResultsTreatment improved mean pelvic floor muscle contraction from 9.2±6.01mmHg to 10.6±5.2mmHg (P=.3111) and maximal pelvic floor muscle contraction from 41.2±21.98mmHg to 45.8±17.51mmHg (P=.4430), and decreased pain from 8±1.26 points to 4.6±2.65 points (P=.0343). ConclusionsTarlov cysts may cause pain and radiculopathy, although they are usually asymptomatic and, consequently, underdiagnosed. More rarely, they cause urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunction. We describe the cases of 5 patients with Tarlov cysts presenting with incontinence and pain who were managed with multimodal rehabilitation plus pharmacological treatment. Cases of Tarlov cysts should be reported and studied; this will help to expand our understanding of their pathophysiology and to standardise effective multimodal treatment.

Effect of continuous drainage of cranial arachnoid cysts into the ventricular system by stereotactic placed catheters

Background: Surgical treatment of intracranial arachnoid cysts (iACs) is challenging. Microsurgical resection, endoscopic fenestration and cysto-peritoneal shunting are the most frequently used methods, each implying their own drawbacks. Stereotactic-guided cysto-ventricular drainage has been described as an alternative method. Here we describe our experience with this technique and how we conducted volumetric measurements to evaluate the effect of permanent drainage. Methods: Standardized stereotactic planning was performed. The planned trajectory included both the iAC and the ventricle system. The catheter was shortened to the defined length and was further fenestrated along its planned course through the iAC to allow drainage into the ventricular system. Clinical and radiological control was performed on outpatient basis after a mean follow-up of 2 (1–3) months. The overall mean follow-up was 32 months (6–59). The measurement of the cyst volume was conducted by the ABC/2-method. Results: Six patients with symptomatic arachnoid cysts (4 f, 2 m) were treated between 2010 and 2016. The overall postoperative reduction in cyst volume at the first follow-up was 36.04% (at the long-term follow-up: 38.57%). Decrease of the midline-shift was achieved in all cases and averaged 57.83% (long term: 81.88%). Clinical improvement of related symptoms could be achieved in all patients (4 patients were symptom free, two patients had alleviated symptoms). There was no case of over-drainage. The catheter had to be removed after 6 months in one case due to infection. Conclusions: We demonstrate successful symptom control and volume reduction in a small series of iACs by continuous drainage into the CSF-system through stereotactic placed catheters. This method may facilitate a self-regulated egress of entrapped cyst fluid in symptomatic patients without risk of over-drainage. A literature survey of the success rate and the complications of this approach is provided. It is concluded that this minimally- invasive method may be an alternative to established fenestration techniques especially for patients with arachnoid cysts that aren’t directly adjacent to a cisternal or ventricular CSF space.

The Effects of a Laparoscopy by Single-Port Endoscopic Access in Benign Adnexal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To evaluate whether laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) offers advantages over conventional laparoscopy (CL) in benign adnexal surgery. Randomized controlled study. Gynecology-Obstetrics Unit of the University Hospital of the Conception in Marseille, France. Patients older than 18 years requiring ovarian cystectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy by laparoscopy for symptomatic ovarian cysts requiring benign or prophylactic surgery. In the case of ovarian cysts, premenopausal patients typically undergo a unilateral cystectomy, whereas postmenopausal patients undergo a unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy upon a patient's request. In cases requiring prophylactic surgery, a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. All participants were randomly assigned to either the LESS or the CL group. Patients in both groups reported similar levels of pain at 24 hours: Simple Numerical Scale was 1.3 (standard deviation, 1.5) in the LESS group vs 1.7 (standard deviation, 1.5) in the CL group (p = .12), and there were no significant differences in postoperative pain at 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, and 7 days. Furthermore, there was no difference in analgesic consumption. Regarding intraoperative criteria, the only difference was the longer operating time in the LESS group than the CL group. We also found that patients' satisfaction with their scar at 1 month may be higher with LESS than with CL. There was no significant difference between the 2 techniques in postoperative pain, although the LESS technique necessitated a longer operative time than the CL technique, while providing better aesthetic result patients.

A case report of a large Splenic epidermoid cyst treated with partial splenectomy

Introduction and importance: Splenic epidermoid cysts are rare primary congenital cysts composed of an epithelial lining that represent a small proportion of nonparasitic splenic cysts. Despite their infrequency, there is a lack of uniform diagnostic and treatment guidelines for these cysts, emphasizing the need for further research and standardized reporting. Case presentation: A 45-year-old female presented with left upper quadrant abdominal pain, characterized by a pressing sensation. Physical examination revealed a palpable mass in the upper left quadrant. Laboratory test results were normal. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT tomography confirmed a large splenic unilocular cyst consistent with an epidermoid cyst. Surgical intervention involved aspiration of the cystic fluid, partial splenectomy, and pathological examination. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful. Clinical discussion: The origin of splenic epidermoid cysts remains unclear, with theories suggesting entrapment of mesothelial cells during embryonic development. The clinical presentation varies with cyst size, often causing abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Diagnostic modalities include ultrasonography and CT scans. Surgical intervention is recommended for symptomatic or suspicious cysts to prevent complications. The chosen approach depends on cyst characteristics and patient factors. This case highlights the challenges and considerations in managing splenic epidermoid the cysts and emphasizes the need for individualized treatment approaches. Conclusion: This case contributes to the understanding of splenic epidermoid cysts and demonstrates a successful subtotal splenectomy as a treatment approach. Further research and standardized guidelines are essential to improve the management of these rare lesions and to provide better insights into their etiology and optimal treatment strategies.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in dogs and cats: Age-related predisposition, symptomatic, and asymptomatic cyst shedding

Background and Aim: Giardiasis is a protozoal disease that is globally prevalent in dogs and cats. The clinical manifestations vary, but asymptomatic cases have also been reported. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in domestic dogs and cats, characterize the age susceptibility to this disease, and determine the frequency of cases in which cysts are combined with stool changes. Materials and Methods: After centrifugation in a zinc sulfate solution (specific gravity = 1.32 g/cm3), feces of dogs (2761) and cats (1579) were examined microscopically. The age of the animals and the presence of coprological stool characteristics such as fecal odor, consistency, presence of mucus, and other pathological impurities were taken into account. Results: G. duodenalis infection rates were 18.2% (215/1182) in dogs aged 1–12 months and 3.8% (60/1579) in dogs older than 12 months. The infection rate was 7.8% (48/615) in cats aged 1–12 months and 3.35% (33/994) in cats aged &gt;12 months. The most frequently observed coprological abnormalities in cyst-positive animals were soft and/or mushy stool and pungent odor. In dogs, the frequency of these symptoms was 24.4% (67/275), 27.6% (76/275), and 36.4% (100/275) for soft stools, mushy stools, and pungent fecal odor, and 37.8% (31/82), 25.6% (21/82), and 19.5% (16/82), respectively. No stool changes were found when G. duodenalis cysts were detected in dogs in 24.7% (68/275) of cases and in cats in 24.4% (20/82). Conclusion: G. duodenalis cysts are reported more frequently in domestic cats and dogs under 12 months of age than in dogs under 12 months of age. The presence of Giardia cysts is usually accompanied by a strong odor of feces and changes in their consistency. It can be concluded that it is necessary to conduct periodic surveillance for apparently healthy dogs and cats to rule out G. duodenalis infection. Keywords: age of animals, cat feces, consistency of dog feces, coprological parameters, cysts, feces, Giardia duodenalis.

Mitral valve leaflet blood cyst treated with minimally invasive approach: a case report and review of literature

IntroductionCardiac blood cyst is a very rare benign tumor of the heart in adults. Though it is very common in the first half year of life, it regresses with time and its occurrence is very rare in children older than six months and in adults. Until now less than 100 valvular blood cyst cases have been reported in adults.Case presentationWe present a case of a 66-year-old male who presented to us with exertional chest tightness, shortness of breath, and right leg weakness for two weeks. He was diagnosed with a cardiac mass two months ago in another hospital. The physical examination was unremarkable. Abdominal ultrasound showed a cyst in the liver and left kidney. Echocardiography showed a mass-occupying lesion of a cystic nature in the mitral valve with moderate mitral regurgitation. Based on echocardiography findings and computed tomography report, the preliminary diagnosis of mitral valve cystic tumor was made. The patient underwent minimally invasive resection of the cyst. The posterior mitral cusp was repaired and a mitral annuloplasty ring was placed. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. The histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of a cardiac blood cyst. The patient was followed up for six months without any complications. This case is presented to enrich the medical literature on the cardiac blood cyst.ConclusionAlthough a cardiac blood cyst is a rare entity in adults, it still should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cardiac tumors. Because the natural history and hemodynamic effects are very diverse, large symptomatic cardiac blood cysts, especially in the left heart should be resected to avoid complications.

Efficacy and safety of cysto-ventricular catheter implantation for space-occupying cysts arising from glioma and brain metastasis: a retrospective study

BackgroundCysto-ventricular catheters (CVC) have emerged as promising treatment option for cystic craniopharyngioma and arachnoid cysts, but their effectiveness in treating cysts originating from glioma or brain metastasis (BM) remains limited. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of CVC in patients with glioma and BM as well as procedure-associated morbidity.MethodsThis single-center retrospective study included all patients treated with CVC placement for acquired space-occupying cysts deriving from previously treated glioma or BMs between 1/2010 and 12/2021.ResultsA total of 57 patients with a median age of 47 years (IQR 38–63) were identified. Focal neurological deficits were the predominant symptoms in 60% of patients (n = 34), followed by cephalgia in 14% (n = 8), and epileptic seizures in 21.1% (n = 12). Accurate CVC placement was achieved in all but one case requiring revision surgery due to malposition. Three months after CVC implantation, 70% of patients showed symptomatic improvement. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the development of space-occupying cysts later in the course of the disease (OR 1.014; p = 0.04) and a higher reduction of cyst-volume postoperatively (OR 1.055; p = 0.05) were significant predictors of postoperative symptomatic improvement following CVC placement. Local cyst recurrence was observed in three cases during follow-up MRI after an average time of 5 months (range 3–9 months). Further complications included secondary malresorptive hydrocephalus in three cases and meningeosis neoplastica in one patient.ConclusionsStereotactic implantation of CVC is an efficient treatment option for patients suffering from symptomatic space-occupying cysts from BMs or glioma, independently from their CNS WHO grade. However, a vigilant approach is crucial regarding potential complications and treatment failures.

P-49 Unexpected spontaneous evolution of a symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst

Abstract Introduction Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are relatively rare sellar and suprasellar lesions that arise from remnants of Rathke's pouch, an embryonic precursor to the anterior pituitary gland. These cysts are often found incidentally during neuroimaging studies for unrelated issues. Despite their non-neoplastic nature, RCCs can lead to a spectrum of clinical manifestations due to their potential to compress surrounding structures, including the pituitary gland, optic chiasm, and adjacent neurovascular structures. However, the majority of Rathke's cysts will remain asymptomatic and typically do not necessitate any medical intervention. Instances of spontaneous regression of these cysts are infrequent, and cases of regression occurring after a recurrence are exceptionally rare. Clinical Case The patient is a 57-year-old individual with a medical history of well-controlled type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Additionally, the patient had a history of right ocular trauma in 1989 resulting in a decrease of visual acuity. The patient presented with persistent chronic headaches, leading to the detection of a Rathke's cleft cyst as revealed by a pituitary MRI showing a cystic structure measuring 15×11 mm in the sellar region. The cyst displayed a predominant left-sided lateralization and was characterized by T1 hypointensity as well as T2 hyperintensity. No enhancement was observed on post-gadolinium contrast injection. The cyst exerted a mass effect on the optic chiasm. Hypophyseal axis assessment revealed intact function. Notably, the patient exhibited significant visual field impairment in the right eye, marked by loss of the superior, nasal, and inferior fields, while the right visual field remained unaffected. The patient was managed conservatively based on the rationale that the visual disturbances were attributed to the ocular trauma and not linked to the RCC. Follow-up hypothalamo-hypophysial MRI conducted in April 2023 demonstrated complete spontaneous regression of the Rathke's cleft cyst, with an improvement of his chronic headache. Conclusion The natural history of RCCs is multifaceted leading to heterogenous outcomes ranging from volume progression with hormonal deficiencies and/or visual disturbances to stability over time to even spontaneous involution. The precise mechanism underlying the latter remains unclear. One possible explanation could involve disruptions in the equilibrium between the secretion and absorption of the cystic fluid, or even the potential occurrence of cyst rupture. The potential for involution or stability of the cyst is influenced by the cyst size. The likelihood of spontaneous involution advocates for a conservative strategy in cases of symptomatic RCCs where headaches are the sole presenting symptom.

The Treatment Effects of Percutaneous Drainage with or without Sclerotherapy for Symptomatic Liver Cysts

Background: While the current guidelines recommend laparoscopic deroofing for symptomatic simple liver cysts, percutaneous drainage may serve as a less invasive alternative method. In this study, the treatment effects of percutaneous drainage with or without sclerotherapy for symptomatic simple liver cysts were evaluated. Methods: Between April 2016 and March 2021, 79 patients who initially required hospitalization due to symptomatic simple liver cysts were enrolled in this multicenter retrospective study. They were treated percutaneously with or without sclerotherapy. The factors associated with symptom recurrence, clinical course and prognosis were investigated. Results: Of the 79 patients treated percutaneously, 11 (13.9%) had symptom recurrence due to liver cysts during the observation period. The maximum diameter of liver cysts at baseline was the only significant factor for the recurrence of these symptoms (p = 0.004). In a receiver operating characteristics analysis, the cut-off of the diameter for symptom recurrence was 16.5 cm. No additional effect of sclerotherapy on drainage was demonstrated in patients with a cyst diameter of &lt;16.5 cm, and in patients with a cyst diameter of ≥16.5 cm, the cumulative recurrence rates of symptoms were significantly lower in the patients treated via sclerotherapy with 5% ethanolamine oleate or with minocycline hydrochloride than in those treated with drainage alone or via sclerotherapy with absolute ethanol. No problematic adverse effects were observed of sclerotherapy. Conclusions: Drainage with sclerotherapy with 5% ethanolamine oleate or minocycline hydrochloride was an effective and safe treatment for patients whose liver cysts had a maximum diameter of ≥16.5 cm. Considering both its efficacy and safety, sclerotherapy with either of these agents is recommended for patients with a maximum liver cyst diameter of ≥16.5 cm.

Symptomatic pericardial cysts and dilemmas in their diagnosis.

Pericardial cysts (PCs) or pleuropericardial cysts are rare congenital mediastinal lesions with an approximate incidence of one in 100 000 persons. Usually, they are asymptomatic, being incidentally discovered during a routine chest imaging examination or an autopsy exam. The study involved a retrospective evaluation of clinicopathological findings in a 6-year series of PCs, treated in the Clinic of Pulmonary Diseases, Iaşi, Romania. A group of five cases of PCs, four females and one male, were evaluated. All patients displayed different symptoms, such as dyspnea, chest pain, chronic cough, fatigue, palpitation, and epigastric pain. The cystic lesions were located in the right and left cardiophrenic angle, in four cases, and in the central mediastinum in a single case. The lesions had a fluid content and a maximum diameter that ranged between 35 and 95 mm. The microscopic examination of the surgical resection tissues revealed a thin connective tissue wall without any associated smooth muscle cells. The loose connective tissue band was lined by a layer of mesothelial cells with no cellular atypia, which displayed discrete papillary projections, in one case. Although PCs are rare incidental findings, they should be considered in differential diagnoses of mediastinal cysts, especially as they are associated with non-specific symptoms. Furthermore, considering the possibility of development of severe complications, PCs should be thoroughly explored for suitable patients' management.

A bibliometric and visualization study of global research trends in sacral Tarlov cyst from 2000 to 2022.

Symptomatic sacral Tarlov cyst (STC) exerts a significant negative impact on the patient's quality of life, highlighting the significance of the increasing number of studies on STC. However, bibliometric analyses in this research field are scarce. Thus, this study aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge structure and identify the research trends of STC through bibliometrics. Articles related to STC from 2000 to 2022 were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewer 1.6.16, CiteSpace 6.1.6, GraphPad Prism 8.2.1 and R-package "bibliometrix" were used to analyse the data and generate knowledge maps. A total of 930 studies on STC from 2000 to 2022 were included. The findings revealed a consistent yet upward trend in the number of annual publications in this field. The United States, China and Turkey were the most prolific and influential countries contributing to this field, with the University of Illinois, the University of Maryland and the National Institute of Standards & Technology being the most notable research institutions. Key journals include World Neurosurgery [Impact Factor (IF) = 2.210], Journal of Vascular Surgery (IF = 4.860) and Journal of Neurosurgery-Spine (IF = 3.467). Additionally, Tarlov Mj, Tarlov E and Zachariah Mr exhibit the highest number of publications, making them the leading authors in this field. A twenty-year retrospection of research trends using keyword analysis reveals four principal directions, namely "definition", "pathogenesis", "diagnosis" and "treatment". Currently, therapeutic surgical intervention is the key treatment for this disease, with future treatments primarily hinging on minimally invasive methodologies rooted in microendoscopic and endoscopic techniques. This pioneering, comprehensive scientific bibliometric study provides a holistic summary of STC research trends and hot spots spanning the past 22 years. The results identify existing research frontiers and chart maps for future studies, serving as a valuable reference for scholars vested in this field.